Destroying it would be a dreadful waste, especially considering how easily the ground-floor mosaic could be removed. While the cost hasn't been determined, Jefferson Parish removed and restored another Albrizio mosaic from the Gretna Courthouse for $194,000.

That's not a budget-breaking figure, even in these economically pinched times, and if public money isn't available, the state should aggressively seek out private resources.

The state commssioner of administration has turned to the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, and that's a logical place to look for help. The mosaic is certainly part of Louisiana's culture and deserves to be preserved.